1 B2 informal
To make a place or person look more attractive through decoration or grooming.
"She prettied up the living room with some fresh flowers and new cushions before her guests arrived."
separable
pretty up
B2 informal separable transitive
To make something or someone more attractive, often by adding decorative touches.
In plain English
To make something look nicer by decorating it or adding nice things.
What does "pretty up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To present data, reports, or facts in a more favourable light, often concealing unpleasant truths.
"The consultants were accused of prettying up the financial figures to attract investors."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Pretty' used as a verb + 'up' to indicate enhancement — 'up' intensifies the transformation.
Actually means
To make something look nicer by decorating it or adding nice things.
Usage tip
Informal and slightly light-hearted. Can be used for places (pretty up a room), appearances (pretty yourself up), or metaphorically for making data or statistics look more favourable. The metaphorical use (prettying up figures or reports) often carries a negative implication of superficiality or deception.
Words that pair with "pretty up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room garden yourself data figures report spreadsheet
How to conjugate "pretty up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pretty up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pretties up
he/she/it
Past simple
prettied up
yesterday
Past participle
prettied up
have + pp
-ing form
prettying up
continuous
Hear "pretty up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pretty up"
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